In the past year, more than 13,500 adults in Kansas have been victims of fraud, identity theft and other scams. These deceptions are not limited to any specific group, as they target adults of all ages, education levels and income.

Recent studies have shown that 43% of young adults (aged 20-29) report losing money whereas 23% of older adults (aged 70-79) also reported financial losses. Unfortunately, ‌older adults reported a higher average loss of $1,000 compared to their younger counterparts with an average loss of $548.

The Federal Trade Commission has identified several common types of scams with the top categories being identity theft, imposter scams, credit bureaus and online shopping. More than $40 million was lost to scammers in Kansas last year.

It's crucial to educate yourself on the dangers of scams and be aware of the warning signs to protect yourself. Scammers often pose as representatives from familiar organizations, frequently creating a sense of urgency for you to take immediate action and insisting on specific payment methods.

According to the FTC, the most common types of government imposter scams involve fraudulent individuals claiming to represent:

• Social Security Administration
• Health & Human Services/Medicare
• United States Postal Services
• Internal Revenue Service
• Police, sheriff or FBI

Government agencies do not make unsolicited calls to demand money or threaten legal action. Some scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it seem as though they are calling from a legitimate organization. Always verify the authenticity of the caller and organization before providing sensitive information or making any payments. Be wary of any demand for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or payment applications, as these are often red flags for scams.

If you receive any unexpected calls, text messages or emails, avoid calling back the phone number they provide, and don't click on any links or give remote computer access. If you suspect that you are the victim of fraudulent activity or identity theft, it is important to take quick and decisive action. First, contact the fraud department of the compromised accounts to have them closed or frozen. Then, report the crime to your local police department to prevent any further damage.

To learn more about protecting yourself from scams, visit ftc.gov/scams.